Online and Distance Learning

Are you interested in studying a forensic psychology doctorate program or in taking criminology and justice studies?  This page will help you to find out more about university forensic psychology and to locate suitable schools, especially those where the program can be taken by online and distance learning.

Forensic psychology is a fascinating field of study concerned with the application of psychology in law and law enforcement. For example, it is used in treating mentally ill offenders, providing expert testimony in court, and also in analyzing a criminal's mind and intent. So to prepare for this work students need to take criminal justice and civil legal courses as well as psychology courses.  But prior to taking a doctorate in this area, you need to have completed a relevant masters degree in psychology. If you are interested in this area, you may also like to check the criminal justice page for useful programs and advice.

Finding a suitable program

Many working students prefer to take their degree online rather than on-campus, so that they can have flexibility and control over their study program. But if you are interested in on campus degrees, this page will help you - but also check the on campus programs page.

The University of the Rockies Online offers a Doctor of Psychology in Criminology and Justice Studies as well as Graduate Certificates in Criminology and Justice Studies.  As well as studying as a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), you can also study it as a PhD.  You can find PsyD or PhD in Forensic Psychology online programs using the search box in the right-hand column.  You should also consider a PhD in Criminal Justice online program.

What do you study in a forensic psychology doctorate program?

In a forensic psychology doctorate program, you are trained to provide psychological services within the criminal justice and civil legal systems, e.g., to evaluate the psychological fitness of individuals who must stand trial. You must state and defend your psychological evaluations in court, so you need to be quick-witted and have good communication skills, as well as having the required psychological and legal knowledge. Courses covered would include: epidemiology of mental/behavioral disorders; risk factors for violence and criminality; profiling and patterning; psychological testing, prediction and intervention measurement; assessment; criminal and civil law and procedures; forensic treatment and intervention skills; interpersonal skills, communication skills, and, professional standards and ethics.

Other relevant specializations

You may find it useful to consider the programs available in the following areas:

• counseling psychology;
• criminal justice;
• developmental psychology (infant, child, adolescent, adult and elderly);
• educational psychology (including school psychology);
• general psychology;
• substance abuse;

Other schools and programs can be found by using the search box.

What are the opportunities for graduates?

Forensic psychology research work, consultation and clinical practice has grown considerably over recent years and this growth is expected to continue over the next ten years. There are now various sub-fields that you can work in, including: clinical-forensic psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, criminal investigative psychology.

Graduates with a forensic psychology PhD have more career opportunities than those with only a forensic psychology masters degree.

In the US, salaries for forensic psychologists average around US$70,000 (PayScales.com).

More information about forensic psychology doctorate programs

If you are interested in on campus degrees, check the on campus programs page.

Click here for a page that links to campus universities and campus colleges in Canada. It also provides some advice on choosing a suitable campus.

Click here and then enter your Canadian postal code to search for Canadian college or university campuses.

Use this link to find programs and schools near you.

Use the search facility on this site to find more online subjects and programs.

Remember to compare the admission requirements and course content of several schools before you choose a program.